A frenzied breakfast ends with the [Weasleys], [Harry], and [Hermione] taking [Ministry cars] to [Kings Cross Station], while Harry continues to think about [Sirius Black] and [Ron] protects [Scabbers] from [Crookshanks].

[Arthur Weasley] and [Harry] stroll onto [platform nine and three-quarters], and are soon followed by the rest of the family. Before saying goodbye, though, [Harry] admits to [Arthur] that he'd overheard his conversation about [Sirius Black], and runs off to catch the train as it pulls out of the station.

[Harry] pulls [Ron] and [Hermione] into a private compartment, with only a sleeping [Professor Lupin] already there, and tells them about how [Sirius Black] is after him. After a brief interruption from Harry's [Sneakoscope], they discuss instead the fact that Harry won't be able to visit [Hogsmeade].

As the [Hogwarts Express] continues on, the [witch with the food cart] comes by and is followed shortly by [Malfoy], [Crabbe], and [Goyle], though they decide it foolish to attack [Harry] with [Professor Lupin] in the compartment.

The [Hogwarts Express] suddenly stops and goes dark, and after some apprehensive moments in which [Ginny] and [Neville] arrive, a [dementor] comes into [Harry]'s compartment - causing Harry to hear a scream and black out.

As they enter the castle, [Harry] and [Hermione] are called away by [Professor McGonagall]. She and [Madam Pomfrey] make sure Harry is alright after the [dementor] attack, and then after McGonagall has a brief private conversation with Hermione, they all make their way back to the [Great Hall] together.

The feast begins with announcements from [Dumbledore]: the [dementors] will be guarding [Hogwarts] until further notice, [Remus Lupin] will be the new [Defence Against the Dark Arts] professor, and [Rubeus Hagrid] will be taking over [Care of Magical Creatures].